The first overall picks in the country’s top professional leagues are both Lasallians.
On Sunday, Justine Baltazar was selected as the first overall pick by Converge in the 2024 PBA Draft.
This comes a week after Thea Gagate was picked by ZUS Coffee in the PVL’s inaugural rookie draft.
This is a remarkable feat for La Salle’s athletic programs, and both athletes have impressive resumes to boot.
Baltazar, a 6-foot-9 native of Pampanga, led National University Nazareth School to the top during UAAP Season 78.
Moving to La Salle for college, he earned three UAAP Mythical Team selections.
Baltazar becomes the fifth DLSU stalwart to be a top overall pick in the PBA, following Jun Limpot (1993), Noli Locsin (1994 – studied at St. Benilde but played for La Salle), Mike Cortez (2003), and JVee Casio (2011).
(C) PVL Images
Meanwhile, Gagate, a 6-foot-2 Cebuano, also started her career in Manila at NUNS.
She powered the Lady Bullpups to multiple UAAP crowns before also moving to La Salle.
With the Lady Spikers, she won a UAAP women’s volleyball title and was named Best Middle Blocker three times.
Baltazar is also a former Gilas pool player, while Gagate is currently with Alas.
It has been a good year for the Green Archers and Lady Spikers who entered the pro ranks.
In the PVL, Leila Cruz went second to Capital1 while Julia Coronel and Maicah Larroza went third and fourth, respectively, signing with Galeries and Farm Fresh.
Meanwhile, Baltazar’s teammates Jonnel Policarpio (6th, NLEX), Mark Nonoy (10th, Terrafirma), Ef Escandor (13th, Rain or Shine), Evan Nelle (14th, Northport), and Ben Phillips (21st, Converge) were also selected.
